A routine inspection of trees on Briddlesford Road found an immediate risk to road users, due to ash dieback and honey fungus, the Isle of Wight Council has told the Isle of Wight County Press - leading to three days of work and a partial road closure.

Access to Lynnbottom tip has been, however, for cars travelling from Wootton.

Despite the start of bird nesting season, County Hall said the work had to happen immediately.

It said: "Where possible, trees will be trimmed back, but in some cases decay at the base means it is inevitable that they must be felled.  

"Usually, such work is undertaken later in the year, but because of the immediate need to make the road safe it is being done now."   

It said work would be carried out only on trees next to the road, with 'minimal disturbance' to the surrounding woodland. 

"We are taking extra precautions because of the higher risk to wildlife," the council said.

A wildlife survey was carried out on May 4, after an earlier inspection on April 29.

No active bird nests were found in the scrub in or trees affected by the work, it told the CP.

"We were expecting some might be found but this is a very busy road, so it is possible the traffic and high dust levels causes too much disturbance for them to nest. 

"A survey was conducted for squirrels and potential bat habitat. This survey also showed these species would not be directly affected by the proposed works. 

"We are satisfied this essential work will not adversely affect protected species or active birds nests. Our contractors are aware of the need for vigilance and if they detect any wildlife that might require a delay, we will stop that part of the work and reappraise the situation," it said.